TELL Magazine

Jeffrey J. Hawkins, Consulate General of the United States in Lagos says Nigeria is very lucky to have a rare gem like Wole Soyinka, Nobel Laureate.

Hawkins made the statement on Sunday at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs during a lecture organised to mark Soyinka’s 80th birthday.

Also speaking at the same event, organised by the Wole Soyinka Center, eminent Nigerians from all walks of life especially those in the academia, eulogized Soyinka, describing him as a rare icon.

Kick starting the lecture, titled,” Wole Soyinka and the Moral Burden of Literature,” Francis Abiola Irele, Provost, College of Humanities, Kwara State University, said no word best qualifies the exceptional heroism in Soyinka.

Those who also spoke at the event include Odia Ofeimun, a poet and social critic, Dan Izevbaye, scholar and critic as well as Ropo Sekoni, retired professor of comparative literature among others.

Also speaking at the event, Olaokun Soyinka, the Nobel Laureate’s first son and Ogun State commissioner for health, said it is a privilege to be born by the Professor.